Register a Zimbabwe Company Without Visiting the Country
Whether you are a Zimbabwean in the diaspora or an international investor, you can register a company in Zimbabwe entirely remotely. You do not need to travel to Zimbabwe at any point during the registration process.
Thousands of Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom, South Africa, United States, Australia, UAE, Canada, Botswana and other countries successfully register and operate businesses in Zimbabwe every year. This guide explains exactly how.
Why Register a Company in Zimbabwe from Abroad?
- Investment opportunities: Zimbabwe’s growing economy offers opportunities in agriculture, mining, real estate, technology, and tourism
- Property ownership: A registered company can purchase and hold property in Zimbabwe
- Remittance efficiency: A corporate bank account allows more efficient transfer and management of funds
- Government tenders: Many contracts require a locally registered entity
- Professional services: Offer consulting, IT, or other services to Zimbabwean clients through a local entity
- Family business: Formalise business operations managed by family members in Zimbabwe
Step-by-Step Diaspora Registration Process
Step 1: Choose Your Entity Type
Most diaspora clients choose either:
- Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) — if you have a local co-director in Zimbabwe
- Private Business Corporation (PBC) — if you want a single-member entity (no local director required)
Step 2: Engage a Local Registration Agent
Appoint a registration agent in Zimbabwe to handle the process on your behalf. The agent will:
- Conduct the name search
- Draft the constitutional documents
- Submit the registration pack to the Companies Registry
- Collect the Certificate of Incorporation
- Provide a registered office address
Step 3: Prepare and Sign Documents
Your agent will prepare the documents and send them to you for signing. You will need to:
- Sign the Memorandum and Articles — the subscription clause must be signed by each founding shareholder
- Sign the CR14 form — consent to act as director
- Provide a notarised copy of your passport
- Provide proof of your overseas address (utility bill or bank statement)
Step 4: Notarisation and Apostille
All documents signed outside Zimbabwe must be notarised. Depending on your country, you have several options:
| Country | Notarisation Options |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Notary Public; Zimbabwean Embassy in London |
| South Africa | Commissioner of Oaths; Zimbabwean Embassy in Pretoria or Consulate in Johannesburg |
| United States | Notary Public (with apostille from Secretary of State) |
| UAE | Notary Public; Zimbabwean Embassy in Abu Dhabi |
| Australia | Justice of the Peace; Notary Public |
| Canada | Commissioner of Oaths; Notary Public |
| Botswana | Commissioner of Oaths; Zimbabwean Embassy in Gaborone |
For countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents must be apostilled. For non-member countries, documents should be legalised by the Zimbabwean embassy.
Step 5: Send Documents to Zimbabwe
Courier the signed and notarised documents to your registration agent. Popular courier services include DHL, FedEx, and UPS. Alternatively, some agents accept scanned copies for initial submission via the online portal, with originals to follow by post.
Step 6: Agent Submits to the Registry
Your agent submits the complete registration pack, pays the government fees, and tracks the application through to the Certificate of Incorporation.
Step 7: Post-Registration Setup
Once incorporated, your agent can also handle:
- ZIMRA tax registration
- Corporate bank account opening (you may need to visit or provide power of attorney)
- NSSA registration
- Ongoing company secretarial services
Power of Attorney
A General Power of Attorney is the key document that allows your agent to act on your behalf. It should authorise the agent to:
- Submit documents to the Companies Registry
- Pay government fees
- Collect the Certificate of Incorporation
- Sign routine administrative documents on your behalf
The Power of Attorney must be signed before a Notary Public and apostilled/legalised for use in Zimbabwe.
Costs for Diaspora Registration
In addition to the standard government fees, diaspora clients should budget for:
- Notarisation fees: $20–$100 depending on country
- Apostille fees: $10–$50 depending on country
- Courier charges: $30–$80 for international courier
- Professional service fee: $200–$600 (includes document preparation, registered office, and submission)
Register from Anywhere in the World
WhatsApp us from the UK, South Africa, USA or anywhere. We handle everything remotely.
Start Registration WhatsApp UsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I register a company in Zimbabwe while living abroad?
Yes. Zimbabweans and foreigners living abroad can register a company in Zimbabwe without visiting the country. You can use a power of attorney to authorise a local agent, or use the online portal with a local registered office address.
Do I need to visit Zimbabwe to register a company?
No. The entire process can be handled remotely through a registration agent in Zimbabwe. Documents can be signed abroad, notarised at a Zimbabwean embassy or local notary, and sent to your agent for submission.
What documents do I need from abroad?
You need: a notarised copy of your passport, a power of attorney authorising your local agent, proof of your overseas address, and signed copies of the Memorandum and Articles. All documents must be notarised and may need to be apostilled.
Can I be a director while living overseas?
How long does diaspora registration take?
The Registry process is the same (2–4 weeks) once all signed documents are received in Zimbabwe. The main delay is usually preparing, notarising, and couriering documents from abroad, which can add 1–2 weeks.